folklorist | ϡ - Chapter TwentyThree; In which one deals with tricky spells [video/action for housemates/voice]

[ You can have a view of Helios leaning back in his chair, rather comfortably actually. He's in his room and in said background are scattered papers and objects. Incidentally he doesn't have his glasses on today, might be due to the fact that he's conducting a delicate experiment in his room. Keyword being delicate. If you catch a glimpse of any of the papers in the background it'll make no sense if you can't read runes. Though one in particular has the diagram of a ring with various lines and runic lettering on it. Helios will lean forward smiling at the journal. ]

Ah, I hope it's on. Erm, yes. [ Clearing his throat he still doesn't get these things. He just brings a hand to his chin, characteristic thoughtful pose is go! ]

I wonder...many of you know about magic, of course. But how many of you can actually apply magical attributes to an inanimate object? Like--ah, enchantments! They're rather tricky and if done wrong they can well...blow up in your face- [ Or you colleague's faces. ] -but they can be used for all sorts of things. Like making a sword into a flaming sword by applying a fire spell to said sword, and when the right incantation is spoken it alights!

[ A thoughtful hum. ] Also are there any myths or legends in your worlds based around objects? Like Excalibur, hammer of Thor, or maybe even the holy grail? Just wondering...all out of curiosity. [ And possibly to further his own research, maybe even get some help on the little project he's been doing since Halloween. Except during his little questioning session the spell he was trying to place on said inanimate objects will begin to sizzle in the background. Smoke is going to start clouding the video and sparks can be seen as well. His eyes will widen as he turns abruptly knocking the journal on the floor and turning off the video function but not the voice. ]

Oh! No-no not again. This wasn't supposed to--! [ There's a very loud bang and the room shakes with it. Sorry housemates there will be a spillage of black, with what seems to have shards of diamonds sprinkled throughout it, smoke coming from Helios' room as he slams the door open. Helios' face will also bear the marks of said explosion as he tumbles out of the room, face and clothes covered in black soot, but he at least has journal in hand. Also people over the journals can hear him coughing rather a lot. Before long you'll hear him laughing though, replying rather amused. ] Ah, yes, very tricky!

[ Going to be brushing off the fact that just happened. You didn't hear anything, everything is fine. Okay, well, Frederic and Giles might be a tad bit annoyed. ]

Um, right, welcome to Luceti all of you who've just been brought here! It takes a bit to get used to everything but we luckily have a nice welcoming committee! You're free to answer those questions as well if you want to! Anyone can as they are open to everyone to answer.

[ Don't mind the fact he just blew himself up, nope. A brief pause on his end. ]

Hm...oh, is that on fire? That is on fire. Just-just a moment. [ Going to go put that out now yup and you can just...talk to him after wards. Derpy derp nice way to introduce yourself to all the new people, Helios. ]

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You'd be surprised what you can do to make a living. It helps that people are curious about this type of thing in my world. People do love to dabble in the unknown after all. Ah, but, it's not my main profession. I'm actually a headmaster at a school.

I don't believe I have. How does it go?

Where I'm from, at least, nobody'd pay for a story. Guess that's different worlds for you.

[And so, Mildmay begins the story of Lady Leda Philomel and Svenja-Clear-As-Water, and their cursed love. He speaks far more openly than before, almost happy, not at all surly or withholding as he was before-- he'll never quite trust wizards on first glance, but storytelling, now, that is a horse of a different color:]

[He talks about how the Lady Leda Philomel came to the northern land of Norvena Parva from her native shores of Troia. And he talks about Svenja-Clear-As-Water, a particularly intelligent swan who could turn herself into a woman with the use of a sword that had been cursed by accident, as a wizard had fallen and died on it and left his blood to rust. He mentions how Svenja fell in love with Leda upon seeing her, but could not recognize her when she became a swan again, nor could Leda tell Svenja apart from the other swans. And then he tells the end of the story, where Svenja finally admits she is a swan, but Leda misunderstands, and beheads Svenja in swan form with that very cursed sword.]

[...And then he clears his throat.] There you go.

That's a rather sad story. But I've found that many myths usually are. [ Helios doesn't like sad stories. But it's an intriguing one regardless. ]

Let's see. [ What myth could he tell, there's so many after all. ]

Oh how about one of the classics! King Midas.

[ Helios will go on then about the old satyr Silenus going missing and winding up being brought to King Midas. Midas was hospitable and treated Silenus to comforts for ten days while Silenus told stories and shared songs. Midas returned Silenus back to Bacchus and in return Midas was rewarded by anything he touched turned into gold. Obviously it was more of a curse, as Midas soon realized, as he could not eat and he even turned his own daughter into a golden statue. Midas prayed to Bacchus and Bacchus told Midas to wash in the river Pactolus. However when Midas did so the entire river turned into gold.

Frustrated with his lack of a solution Midas became a follower of another god, Pan who was the god of fields and satyr. Pan compared his music with Apollo, another god, and Apollo was awarded the winner. However Midas disagreed and Apollo turned his ears into those of a donkey. Midas tried to hide it but his barber found out as was told not to mention it to anyone. Unable to do so the barber went out into the meadow, dug a hole in the ground, whispered the story into it, then covered the hole up. A thick bed of reeds later sprang up in the meadow, and began whispering the story, saying "King Midas has an ass's ears" ]

And that's one from mine.

I heard versions where they live happy ever after and all, but those never have the right kick to 'em.

[Mildmay listens raptly, mentally taking notes as to how he'd retell the story later, and what the focus is.]

That's a good one. You just... sit around reading stories all the time? ...when you ain't blowing shit up, I mean.

Most of the stories, or ah, myths in my world end sadly as well. I suppose they're there to teach a lesson or sorts.

I usually visit the people in said stories actually. And well run my school, it's been awhile since I've done any actual story telling.

I reckon it's because sad shit sticks with you longer. Nobody wants to be forgot.

Wait, how d'you--... more hocus shit?

Sad, yes. I suppose you're right. [ Different tone here but it's quickly pushed away as he laughs. ]

Magic? Hardly! You could say my world's myths and legends aren't exactly myths or legends...if you know where to look.

You mean y'all're just really good at telling stories that just happened, or something else?

You could say that, why just telling a story about said myths is one reason they exist at all! Myths and legends do require people believing in them to exist in my world. Not all the time, but, it does help them.

You're gonna have to explain that for someone who ain't a hocus, I can't make heads or tails of... you're saying if folks believe in something, it'll be true?

Well yes, that's essentially it. Gods and mythological beings in my world were beings that existed in a plane beyond our own. They needed energy from human belief to bring them into our world and thus believing in them caused them to come into existence!

...Well, fuck. Why can't I live there?

[ Helios will definately laugh at that. ]

Perhaps one day you can visit. I do have a good few people interested!

[ Speaking of he didn't catch your name. ] Oh my apologies! I haven't caught your name. Helios Sprensonne it's been a pleasure speaking with you.

Mildmay. Same over here. [Strange as that is to say, it's true, and Mildmay supposes that's what matters.]

Mildmay. Perhaps if we have more time in the future we could exchange some more stories, in person if you'd like? I certainly wouldn't mind having a few new ones in my repertoire.

I could do that, yeah. Sounds like you got lots of stuff I ain't heard.

And the thought is definately mutual! I think it would be in both our interests at least. And you have some rather fascinating sounding stories...

[Mildmay takes a moment to get flustered by the compliment; luckily, Helios cannot see him, and so there is only a slight pause, before:] Sounds like a deal.

[ Oh Mildmay if Helios could see you get flustered he'd probably smile or laugh. But instead you'll get another enthusiastic reply from him. ]

Wonderful! I look forward to it then! Until then do stock up on stories; I'm sure we'll have lots to discuss after all.

ϡ - Chapter TwentyThree; In which one deals with tricky spells [video/action for housemates/voice]

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